Nephrology
Nephrology focuses on a wide range of kidney-related illnesses. It also explores systemic disorders caused by kidney disease, such as renal osteodystrophy and hypertension, as well as systemic conditions that impact kidney function, like diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Neurology, on the other hand, studies the normal functioning of the nervous system and addresses diseases, abnormalities, and damage to different parts of the nervous system.
About Nephrology
Nephrology focuses on diagnosing and managing kidney disorders, including conditions like hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and providing care for patients requiring renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or kidney transplants. After a urinalysis, patients may be referred to nephrologists for various conditions, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, hematuria (blood in urine), proteinuria (protein in urine), hypertension, and imbalances in acid/base or electrolytes.
Nephrologists are skilled in performing several procedures, such as kidney biopsies, insertion of dialysis access (temporary, tunneled, and peritoneal lines), and managing fistulas, including surgical interventions and angiographic fistulograms. Though bone biopsies are less common, they are sometimes part of nephrological care.
Nephrology Procedures
Treatments in nephrology may involve the use of blood products, medications, renal replacement therapies (dialysis or kidney transplants), and surgical interventions related to urology or vascular issues. Nephrology care emphasizes advanced planning, health education, and psychological support, as kidney problems significantly affect both quality and duration of life. Immunosuppressive therapies are used in treating inflammatory and autoimmune kidney diseases, such as transplant rejection and vasculitis. Common immunosuppressive drugs include prednisone, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, everolimus, thymoglobulin, and sirolimus.
Nephrologists frequently conduct imaging studies, kidney function tests, dialysis procedures, kidney biopsies, and manage transplant patients. They can also identify conditions related to kidney failure, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, ANCA vasculitis), metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cystinosis), and infections like hepatitis B and C, using specialized tests.
The Nervous System Overview
The nervous system is divided into two main components:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Comprises the nerves and sensory organs outside the central nervous system.